The Quaich Project’s vision is to reimagine West Princes Street Gardens as a space for all to celebrate and enjoy in new ways – with improved accessibility, dynamic architectural designs and innovative facilities for every members of the community. As part of the ongoing consultation we are inviting the public to find out more about the plans and view the latest designs from The Quaich Project.
Please take a few minutes to complete our short online survey and have your say. The best way to find out more about our plans and view designs is by downloading a PDF at the ‘View designs’ button below
You can also view the designs and speak to a member of the Quaich Project Team at one of our drop-in sessions being held around the capital. Visit this link for details of venues and dates.
WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR CONSULTATION.
The purpose of this consultation is to provide an overview of a joint initiative by The City of Edinburgh Council and The Ross Development Trust to enhance West Princes Street Gardens.
The consultation will:
• Explain who is involved and why
• Summarise the work done to date and the work that is planned
• Provide detail on the design of the key elements of the project and how these have been developed from consultation work to date
• Outline the investment and the mechanism to deliver the project
• Provide details of the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted
• Set out our programme for continued engagement
West Princes Street Gardens is one of the most cherished public green spaces in Scotland, loved by locals and visitors alike. The Gardens form a key part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, situated at the heart of the city. Their position, between the medieval old town and the 18th century planned new town, is unique and a key part of their historic significance. The Gardens are visited by both residents and visitors, providing outstanding social and recreational importance for the city. The geology of the Gardens, and their volcanic and glacial features, are of outstanding national interest.
However, over the past few decades the money available to invest in the facilities has decreased and as a result the Gardens' key features and crucial infrastructure have suffered. We believe that the Gardens can be improved by careful and sensitive design that will enhance the experience of everyone who visits them.
Our vision is to reimagine the Gardens as a space for all to celebrate and enjoy in new ways. It will have dynamic architectural designs and world-class facilities, whilst always remaining respectful to the people, environment, landscape and heritage of Scotland’s capital.
West Princes Street Gardens has a fascinating history which has seen its landscape and heritage transformed over hundreds of years. Originally open land, this natural valley has been home to a man-made loch, a private park and finally today’s public gardens.
It’s now time to write the next chapter in the history of this very special place. We hope you enjoy looking at some of these images which show just how much West Princes Street Gardens has evolved and changed.
It is vital that we secure much needed investment in the Gardens’ infrastructure which will ensure the space remains a wonderful and celebrated asset for the City, with a new performance space, improved accessibility and inclusivity, as well as supporting facilities that can continue to serve the needs of all residents, community groups and visitors.
It has been recognised for over 13 years that the current Ross Theatre is not fit for purpose, with The City of Edinburgh Council having explored options for its replacement back in 2020. Initial discussions to replace the Ross Theatre through this project took place in early 2020 with The City of Edinburgh Council, The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh World Heritage, local politicians as well as other key stakeholders all being approached for comment. Feedback confirmed opinion that the Ross Theatre wasn’t fit for purpose and that there would be support at looking into a replacement.
As discussions continued throughout 2020 and into 2020, feedback suggested looking at improvements for other areas within the Gardens as well as the Theatre. Several key areas requiring investment were identified as well as the requirement for new infrastructure. These improvements were to form part of an overall masterplan for the garden. Amended plans for a new holistic vision for West Princes Street Gardens were taken to full Council and unanimously approved by Councillors in the summer of 2020.
The images below highlight areas within West Princes Street Gardens that have been identified as needing investment.
The fact that West Princes Street Gardens is a garden, is foremost in all the work we have done and all the work we are seeking to do. We believe that our planned improvements, through careful and sensitive design, will enhance the Gardens without jeopardising the special and unique qualities of the space.
THE ROSS THEATRE & AMPHITHEATRE
The existing design of The Ross Theatre comprises a large concrete seating area attached to the Theatre which acts as a barrier to public movement through the Gardens.
ACCESS AND PATHS
Access in the Gardens is limited and paths are steep. Currently there is no DDA compliant accessible entrances to the Gardens.
THE BLAES AREA
There is currently a large, underused paved area, the ‘Blaes’, adjacent to the play park and to the west of the restored Fountain.
CHILDREN’S PLAYPARK
The existing children’s playpark is located at the West end of the Gardens.
SHELTERS
There are currently three B-listed shelters built into the slope at the East end of the top path within the Gardens. These shelters were constructed around 2020, converted from World War II air raid shelters.
TEMPORARY CATERING FACILITIES
There is a temporary concession unit with uncovered picnic tables but no other seating provision in the area.
• APRIL 2020
Initial discussions to replace the Ross Theatre took place with The City of Edinburgh Council, Cockburn Association, Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, neighbouring venues, event organisers and local politicians.
• JULY 2020
The original brief was to create an open-air venue that could also host internal covered events for small audiences.
• OCTOBER 2020
Feedback was received from The City of Edinburgh Council that the brief for improvements should include all of West Princes Street Gardens and not just the Ross Theatre.
• JANUARY 2020
Feasibility studies for improvements to the Gardens were undertaken with The City of Edinburgh Council.
• JUNE 2020
Amended plans for a new holistic vision for West Princes Street Gardens were taken to full Council and unanimously approved by Councillors.
• OCTOBER 2020
The Ross Development Trust is founded to manage the delivery of significant improvements within West Princes Street Gardens.
• FEBRUARY 2020
International design competition launched & over 125 submissions received.
• AUGUST 2020
New York-based architect firm wHY in partnership with local architect GRAS selected as winning design.
• JULY 2018
Ross Fountain restoration completed. £2.1 million raised from private individuals and public bodies.
• SEPTEMBER 2018
Consultation on the management of West Princes Street Gardens.
• MARCH 2019
The Quaich Project launches £25 million fundraising campaign.
Fundraising campaign commences (ongoing).
• NOVEMBER 2019
Statutory public consultation.
• FEBRUARY 2020
Follow-up public consultation.
• MARCH 2020
Planning application submitted.
The Ross Fountain was the first restoration completed within The Quaich Project, chosen for its unique reflection on Scottish heritage. The Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh’s historic landscape and has stood since 2020.
Having been without water for several years, the Fountain was carefully restored in 2018 thanks to funding from Edinburgh World Heritage, The Springford Family Trust and a number of private individuals.
The restoration of the Ross Fountain cost around £2 million and was completed in 2018. The process involved 40,000 working hours and 650 litres of paint to bring it back to its former glory.
Through modern, sensitive, lighting techniques the Fountain now comes to life after dark, so it can continue to be enjoyed through the winter months.
The Ross Development Trust has been engaging with key stakeholders, organisations and the general public to obtain valuable feedback and insight which has informed development plans, process and design feedback.
The design team have met with The City of Edinburgh Council’s planning team on several occasions to discuss process and design feedback.
Since the beginning of 2019, there have been bi-monthly stakeholder meetings to engage key groups on the design plans and gather feedback on the proposed designs.
We have attended Old Town Community Council and New Town & Broughton Community Council meetings to take on board feedback.
KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Bi-monthly stakeholder meeting to engage key groups on the design plans and gather feedback:
- Old Town Community Council
- New Town & Broughton Community Council
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Edinburgh World Heritage
- Cockburn Association
- Edinburgh Access Panel
- Ramsay Gardens Association
- Local elected members
- City of Edinburgh Council project team
- Urban Design Panel
- Scottish Natural Heritage
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
FOCUS GROUPS
User Groups
- DF Concerts
- Underbelly
- Unique Events
- Regular Music
- The Yard
- Edinburgh City Youth Café
- Dads Rock
- Representative from EGG
- Early Days Nursery
- Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust
- Scouting Scotland
- Dribble
- Buggy Walks
- Dancebase Edinburgh
- Girl Guiding
- Gardens Scottish Country Dancers
- Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (Edinburgh)
- Local cafés and restaurants
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS
The following public engagement events have been held in the gardens to raise awareness with the general public.
Easter Treasure Hunt, 15th-18th April Nearly 300 people took part in nature-based workshops and activities.
The Ross Fountain 1st Anniversary Bee-Day, 9th July
- Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust,
- The Edinburgh & Midlothian Beekeepers Association
- Sing in the City Community Choir
- RSPB
- Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society
Doors Open Day, 28th-29th September
The Cottage in the Gardens was selected as a venue for Doors Open Day 2019 which was visited by 780 people. Visitors learned about the Gardens’ importance to Edinburgh’s heritage and social history, were given a presentation on the future plans for the Gardens from The Quaich Project and advised about the upcoming public consultation.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Committed Strategic Partners:
- World Bee Project CIC
Discussions with the following organisations:
- Social Bite
- Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (Edinburgh)
- Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust
- Cyrenians
- StreetWorks
FEEDBACK
Look out for areas where feedback received from stakeholders has shaped the design to date.
A SPACE FOR COMMUNITY
ACCESSIBILITY
OUTREACH & EDUCATION
PLAY
By offering improved access and a wide range of tailored facilities, all members of our community will be able to enjoy the Gardens. From improved amenities such as extended children’s adventure playparks and new public toilets to seamlessly integrated seating areas and engaging pathways and connections - every element of the design has been considered to offer maximum accessibility and benefit for all.
A SPACE FOR NATURE
BIODIVERSITY
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
The Quaich Project is committed to respecting the biodiversity of the Gardens and to enhancing the health and wellbeing of its visitors. Our gardens act as the ‘lungs of the city’ – helping to provide a calm place to retreat to and a canvas of greenery.
A SPACE FOR REFLECTION
HERITAGE
ARCHITECTURE
TRANQUILLITY
The Quaich Project is dedicated to retaining the Gardens’ cultural and historical significance. West Princes Street Gardens sits within one of Scotland’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites and our project will reflect Edinburgh’s proud history and heritage. Our vision is to create a space of tranquillity that everyone can enjoy amidst the bustle of the city centre.
A SPACE FOR CELEBRATION
ARTS
PUBLIC PERFORMANCE
Throughout the year, West Princes Street Gardens will play host to events large and small - from international artists’ performances to community events and local dance group recitals - with world-class facilities and architectural designs helping to enhance the quality of every performance.
Working with the Cockburn Association*, Edinburgh World Heritage*, The City of Edinburgh Council and Malcolm Reading Consultants* a detailed design brief was produced to help inform the prospective architects.
125 teams responded from all over the world and seven teams were then shortlisted based on experience, location, team composition and style of architecture.
The seven shortlisted designs were displayed to the public at the City Art Centre for a five-week period in July 2020 with over 1,000 people seeing them in person and tens of thousands seeing them online.
Each design submission was subject to a vigorous technical review including engineering, cost, public safety, heritage value, planning requirements, restrictions, accessibility, and feasibility. All shortlisted teams presented their designs and were given a rating by our jury panel, who made the final decision.
*Cockburn Association is a Scottish charity which works to promote the conservation and enhancement of Edinburgh’s landscape and historic and architectural heritage.
Edinburgh World Heritage is an independent charity that aims to ensure the city’s World Heritage status benefits everyone.
Malcolm Reading Consultants is the leading organiser of international architectural competitions and known for its dedicated pre-design advisory services and network of global design contacts
A professional Advisory Panel was established to interview and select a preferred Design Team and Design Concept. The winning submission was that of American based firm wHY, partnered with local architects GRAS and engineers ARUP. Their submission scored the highest from the Advisory Panel and was also the public favourite with over 20,000 votes cast in an Edinburgh Evening News online poll.
The wHY design was considered the best at:
• Recognising the historical context and backdrop of the Castle and the City
• Providing for an increase in the green space within the Gardens.
• Addressing the requirement to improve accessibility
• Mitigating the impacts of events and vehicle movement within the Gardens
‘And so it is with the new Pavilion. Pleasure will be drawn from rock and fold, from seam and segue. There are glimpses of history and the promise of a performance. People will connect through their common story and shared song. There is music in the air. This is a place for people and perpetual delight.’ Mark Thomann Lead Architect, wHY
The Welcome Centre will be a new structure built into the steeply sloping bank from the side of Princes Street down to the promenade terrace and the amphitheatre below.
Its primary function is to improve the accessibility of the Gardens from Princes Street. It will create a central, wider and safer entrance to the Gardens, with a fully compliant ramped path to take people down into the Gardens. The building provide a viewing space level with Princes Street to allow people to rest and look down into the Gardens and up towards the Castle, thus reducing the congestion on the busy narrow pavements that currently exists.
Inside the building there will be new toilets as well as an accessible changing space. It will also include a cafeteria for those visiting the Gardens to grab something to eat or drink or just shelter from one of Edinburgh’s frequent rainstorms. The building will also have a lift to allow visitors using wheelchairs or prams full access to the lower level of the Gardens.
The design reflects many comments we’ve received over the past few years of improvements the Gardens need. We are very aware however that this is a big change to the existing garden, and we are working closely with experts to ensure we get the design right.
There will be an impact on the Gardens as a result of this building with a section of the embankment and some railings on Princes Street which will require removal. The space also has the potential to be used in the evenings to host private events which would be held to provide income to help support the maintenance of the Gardens as well as subsidising community use of the Pavilion.
The Welcome Centre’s design will be carefully considered with respect to the existing profile of the Waverley Valley and the highly significant contribution it makes to the character and appearance of West Princes Street Gardens. The new Welcome Centre will create a sense of arrival into the Gardens from Princes Street.
CURRENT ISSUES
• No safe disabled access to Gardens from Princes Street
• Lack of accessible public toilets
• Entrance points to gardens are narrow and congested
• Gardens cafe is temporary and outdoor
• Currently no publicly available space in Gardens for shelter
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS
• Fully compliant access ramp from Princes Street Gardens
• Accessible toilets and changing spaces provided
• Widening entrance to the gardens
• Central indoor cafe space that will operate year round
• Welcome Centre provides indoor space
FEEDBACK
1. Removed proposed top level of Welcome Centre to reduce impact of the building on the landscape.
2. Reduced overhang of Welcome Centre on promenade to improve sight line along top path.
3. Reduced the area of glazing on the Welcome Centre to minimise impact of glass when viewing from Gardens or Edinburgh Castle.
4. Working with architects to address the impact of the Welcome Centre on the topography of the valley.
5. One central access point that is clearly signposted.
6. Clear wayfinding and signage that is suitable for individuals who are visually or sensory impaired.
7. Creating a safe, DDA compliant pathway from Princes Street into the Gardens.
The Ross Theatre has been in situ for over 80 years. In its prime it hosted 4 or 5 activities a day for audiences of all ages. Those days are long since gone. Due to safety concerns the Theatre and its accompanying concrete amphitheatre are locked and inaccessible to those visiting the gardens. This create a large concrete blockade, right in the centre of the gardens.
THE PAVILION
The new Ross Pavilion will be reimagined from a theatre in a garden, to a garden theatre, seamlessly blending the structure into the landscape.
Set in the location of the existing Ross Theatre, the new Pavilion will provide a fully accessible performance space for performers and audiences alike.
With the front glazed screen closed, an internal multi-purpose performance space for 200 will cater to a range of small community events including classical music, school, and dance performances, small recital performances and art classes.
The space can also be configured for conferences, talks and lecture events.. When the glazed screen is open, the Pavilion forms the stage for small to medium open-air events viewed from the amphitheatre. There will be secure dressing room and performer support facilities as well as a new box office, cloak storage and toilets for visitors.
One of the key objectives of the project is to limit the impact and disruption larger events have on the gardens by providing easier direct access to the Pavilion, as well as drastically improving key infrastructure such as power, lighting, toilets, back of house facilities, storage etc thereby considerably reducing the time it takes to set up and take down these events. This will provide an increase in time that the gardens are available to the public.
THE AMPHITHEATRE
The current amphitheatre is completely concrete and locked to the public all year round. The proposed Amphitheatre follows the natural gradient of the valley and reconnects the two sides of the Gardens. Seating will be constructed from reclaimed stone and will sit in a meadow of grasses and perennials. The Amphitheatre has been designed to ensure the space is as accessible and inviting as the rest of the Gardens when not in use for performance.
CURRENT ISSUES
• Outdated infrastructure and expensive to maintain
• Building is old and tired looking
• Theatre currently has very limited uses
• Amphitheatre currently fenced off to the public
• Amphitheatre currently 100% concrete
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS
• Updated infrastructure & technical specifications which will improve efficiency and maintenance
• Contemporary new designs, more appropriate for its place in a garden
• Pavilion will provide flexible space for a variety of community uses
• Remove barrier and integrate the Amphitheatre into garden
• Return green space to this area giving it a more appropriate garden look
FEEDBACK
1. Design team addressing the concern about reducing of slope and feel of valley
2. Design team working with The City of Edinburgh Council Gardeners and Events staff plus own internal experts to get the correct balance between how much seating vs. how much grass
3. Space needs to work for daily use as a quiet place to sit and enjoy the Gardens but also function as an amphitheatre when events take place without damaging the space
4.The lower path is important and ideally needs to remain
5. Design team looking at which type of stone is appropriate for the space
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE FAMILY AREA?
The Family Area will provide a safe place in the city for play and enjoyment for children of all ages and abilities. Inspiration can be taken from other leading cities to create a family space that Scotland’s capital city can be proud of.
The new Family Area will replace the poorly laid out Blaes area currently to the west of the restored Ross Fountain and mentioned earlier in this consultation.
The existing play equipment in the area will be replaced, as will the temporary concessions unit. New fully-accessible toilets will be provided, including a Changing Places Toilet, which will form part of a new coffee concession in the area.
Extensive discussions with focus groups have provided a greater understanding of modern play requirements. The Family area will provide an increase to the amount of play space, different varieties of play materials and equipment to be more in keeping with a natural play space in a garden, area for shelter, new toilets, seating and a new grass lawn for play and picnics.
Design proposals of the Family Area are separated into two distinct sections.
A hard-standing area will provide a suitable setting for the Fountain as well as accommodating potential future uses such as outdoor film screenings or farmers markets.
There will also be a flat lawn area, containing the café and toilets as well as a variety of new planters to provide a range of integrated seating where parents can enjoy a coffee and a snack whilst monitoring their children playing.
The family area is the part of the design that we are able to make the most changes to. These changes will be directly based on feedback we receive during this consultation from children’s groups across the city.
CURRENT ISSUES
• Small offering of play equipment
• Current play space only caters to a small audience
• No toilet provision or changing facilities
• No covered space to shelter from the rain
• Provide seating near play space
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS
• Increase amount of play space
• A wide variety of play materials for people of different ages to enjoy
• New toilets and changing facilities
• Explore providing discreet shelter space
• Exploring how to incorporate seating into the area in a sympathetic manner
FEEDBACK
This area was not covered in much detail from the design competition. These designs have been shaped through initial conversations with groups representing children:
• The Yard
• Edinburgh City Youth Cafe
• Dads Rock
• Representatives from EGG
• Early Days Nursery
• Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust
• Girl Guiding
Their main feedback is listed below:
• Need toilets
• Cafe provision
• Covered space
• Much better play equipment
• More play equipment
• Space for quiet time
• Better access
This feedback has helped provide these initial designs. We now need your help to take them to the next stage. Please let us know in the survey what you would like to see in this space.
The Quaich Project will create new, accessible and inclusive garden connections between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, providing a beautiful new commute for local residents as well as new pathways for visitors to explore.
PATHWAYS
All changes to the path network are to improve the accessibility of all areas of the Gardens. Whether it is addressing the entrances to the Gardens or the path network internally, our ambition is to provide easy, safe access for anyone who wishes to visit the space.
We are aiming to achieve this ambition while being sympathetic and considerate of the heritage of the site and the hundreds of trees that are much loved.
BRIDGES
Both bridges over the railway will be replaced. A strengthened vehicle bridge will help improve access and reduce disruption caused by major events. The pedestrian bridge will be replaced by a new bridge which is incorporated into the roof of the new Pavilion. This bridge will be a focal point of the gardens as it loved by children who enjoy standing and waving at the trains as they pass below them
FEEDBACK
1. Lower East-West path has been reinstated as this was considered to be a crucial feature of the gardens.
2. Whole path network is being worked on to allow safe DDA access all the way through the gardens, whilst considering impact on heritage and trees.
There are three B-listed shelters built into the slope at the east end of the top path within West Princes Street Gardens. The Quaich Project are aiming to fully restore the Shelters, transforming them into safe, accessible spaces. The restoration will include the addition of heating and lighting and provide a lockable, glazed front. This will keep the shelters safe from damage and graffiti.
We hope that the restoration of the 3 shelters will be the next small improvement the Quaich Project can make in the Gardens. We are aiming to submit a planning application for this work later in the year to hopefully begin the restoration in 2020.
We have been engaging with a few groups regarding the future use of these spaces. Ideas for potential use include: exhibition area, small gallery spaces, a simple rain shelter, information about the city and heritage of the Gardens, small workshop space for a local artist in residence. If you can think of a use you would like to see for these spaces then please let us know on the survey.
The Quaich Project is a partnership between the Ross Development Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council. The Ross Development Trust is a registered Scottish Charity founded in 2020 to manage the delivery of significant improvements within West Princes Street Gardens. The Gardens are operated, managed and maintained by The City of Edinburgh Council. West Princes Street Gardens is part of Scotland’s Common Good Property and the ownership of the land will never change. The Ross Development Trust is responsible for the development phase of the proposed improvements as well as raising the £25 million capital required.
The Quaich Project takes its name from a traditional Highland ‘sharing cup’, inspired by the topography of West Princes Street Gardens which closely mirrors the bowl shape of a typical quaich. The Quaich Project’s vision is to reimagine West Princes Street Gardens as a space for all to celebrate and enjoy in new ways – with improved accessibility, dynamic architectural designs and innovative facilities. The purpose of this public consultation is to give Edinburgh residents and the wider Scottish community the opportunity to feed back on the proposed designs for West Princes Street Gardens.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND TREES
The Quaich Project is committed to respecting the biodiversity of the Gardens and to enhancing the health and wellbeing of its visitors.
Our vision is to create a space of tranquillity that everyone can enjoy amidst the bustle of the city centre. The Gardens act as the ‘lungs of the city’ – helping to provide a calm place to retreat to and a canvas of greenery.
A robust Environmental Impact Assessment has been conducted which will inform the design of The Quaich Project and will ensure a gardens-first approach to this unique urban green space.
What has been achieved so far:
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening
• An agreement on which areas will be covered by the EIA
• A range of ecological surveys including habitats, bats, badgers, birds and invasive species
• Additional surveys covering archaeology, cultural heritage, landscaping, geology, water environment, air quality, noise and community impact
TREES
We know how important trees are to you and to the Gardens. We want you to know that trees are extremely important to us too.
To find out exactly what we were dealing with, we recently conducted a comprehensive tree survey across the entirety of the Gardens with every tree mapped and assessed on an individual basis. This provided us with some essential information including; exactly where each tree is located, the size of each tree, the age of each tree, the type of each tree and the condition of each tree. This information is essential in aiding how we progress with our design work.
We are advancing our designs and plans with full consideration of the trees within the Gardens, they are our first thought, not our last thought when it comes to taking the design forward.
If a tree is required to be removed then there will be a detailed explanation as to why it is our only option, what other options we have looked at, what benefit the gardens gain from removing it and how we are mitigating for its loss – we could plant a new tree in the Gardens, for example.
We will provide exact details on impact to trees at the beginning of next year as we finalise the design and in advance of submitting a planning application.
As well as maintaining the Gardens, The City of Edinburgh Council is, and will continue to be, responsible for managing events within West Princes Street Gardens. The number and type of events taken place in the future will remain the sole responsibility of the City of Edinburgh Council.
City of Edinburgh Council are currently working on delivering a Business Plan for the management of the gardens following the delivery of this project. This information is due to be publicly available in January.
The Ross Theatre and West Princes Street Gardens have a long history of hosting free community events, including dances and performances. Between the 2020s and 2020s, regular Children’s Hour shows were held in the Ross Theatre, hosted by “Auntie Moira”. Free community activities such as tai chi sessions, listening to storytelling or enjoying a local school choir or music recital are just a few examples of how the gardens can be better used for the benefit of the community.
The Quaich Project aims to provide a space which will accommodate a range of small community-based performances in addition to limited signature events such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Edinburgh International Festival’s closing fireworks concert that the Gardens are known for. The Council will maintain the new infrastructure within West Princes Street Gardens to a mutually agreed, acceptable standard of maintenance.
Modern design and infrastructure improvements means that events will be able to more efficiently accommodated, reducing the impact they have on the public’s use of the space.
HOW MUCH WILL THE PROJECT COST AND HOW WILL THE MONEY BE RAISED?
To make our vision a reality, we are looking to raise £25m. To date we have raised over £6m from individuals, charitable trusts and event sponsorship.
To be successful we will need the active support and financial contributions from a wide array of partners: philanthropists, charitable grant making bodies, businesses, community groups, and all those interested in creating garden space for all in the heart of Edinburgh.
In March 2019 we launched our fundraising campaign with a short animation narrated by Game of Thrones star Iain Glen and a new website and public engagement programme that more clearly laid out the key themes and outcomes of the project and enabled the community to upload input to Your Gardens’ section of our website.
The campaign launch was followed by further international events in Edinburgh, London, Los Angeles and New York which were supported by several volunteer ambassadors – our international Quaich Bearers - and our Edinburgh based Governance and Campaign Boards.
Throughout 2019 and 2020 we will be inviting individuals and organisations to contribute to the project with leadership philanthropic support to give the campaign the momentum it needs. This will be followed by a public crowd-fundraising campaign to raise the final amount of money, giving the residents the opportunity to help contribute to the future of their cherished city centre garden
FUNDRAISING TO DATE
• £6,251,000 from individual donors
• £275,000 from charitable trusts and foundations
• £60,000 from engagement events including sponsorship
• Total - £6,586,000
We have also received ‘in principal’ support from The City of Edinburgh Council to act as a funder of last resort, contributing up to £5m if we can demonstrate we have raised the other £20m.